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The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre private preserve of temperate rainforest bordering the Tongass National Forest. Take a guided nature walk exploring the wildlife and ecology of the preserve. Visit a historic sawmill, and explore an authentic totem park.
Here’s how your rainforest exploration will surprise and delight you.
You’ll start out with a scenic eight-mile coastal drive to rustic Herring Cove and the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a temperate rainforest, nestled into the Tongass National Forest. When you arrive, a naturalist guide will be on hand to take you on a 0.75 mile guided rainforest exploration along an improved trail amongst stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar trees. The forest floor is covered with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. Your guide will lead you to a protected open estuary where you follow Herring Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands.
During the seasonal spawning season, bears and seals feed on salmon in Herring Creek. Bald eagles and other birds wait for scraps in the estuary. Sitka black tail deer, mink and marten also frequent the area. Weather, tides, and seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels and type of wildlife activity.
Everything here is alive with color and cultural history.
After your trail walk your opportunity to learn about the natural history, wildlife and cultural traditions in the region continues. You’ll be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, seeing saws and machinery that powered this mill. Explore the first Tsimshian totem pole park in the country with its impressive 40-foot totem and 17 poles carved by the same artist. Before your return to town visit the General Store and pick up a souvenir of your uniquely Alaskan experience.
Please Note: This tour operates in all weather conditions.
2.75 hours
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing and waterproof jacket are recommended
Shopping opportunities are available at the General Store
Bring cash or credit card
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This experience includes walking for short distances over gently sloping terrain, possibly with a few steps or slight inclines. The path is a lightly graveled trail. Please expect to be on your feet (either standing or walking) for the entirety of your tour. Participants should be able to move into and out of buses or vans.
In the heart of the Tongass National Forest lies Kawanti Adventures’ very own Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for its forest trails and boardwalk system that leads to an open estuary complete with a creek running out to the famous Herring Cove. The sanctuary is a hot spot for all wildlife, but specifically bald eagles and black bear. You will also find our old historic sawmill and carving center, complete with 17 original Alaskan Native totem poles. Visit our gift shop, grab a freshly brewed coffee, or specialty Alaskan beer, and explore everything the sanctuary has to offer!
We had the best time on our rainforest adventure. Our guide was great. We saw bear poo full of berries, lots of dead salmon, and bears within throwing distance (we did not). I especially loved learning some of the science behind why/how the forest is growing, as well as how black bears adapt to the temperate climates.
Karmen M.
- 2023
Ben was a fantastic tour guide and we are so glad we took a walk in the rain in the rainforest! Got to learn a lot about the Alaskan ecosystem and experience nature in a safe but well preserved environment. Best last tour of the 2023 season!
Jen V.
- 2023
This was the most comprehensive tour: rainforest walk, fish hatchery, totem pole carving. Warren was an excellent guide and made our walk informative and fun!
Karen J.
- 2023
We had such a great Rainforest walk with Ben as our guide. He was super knowledgeable and did a fantastic job making the tour kid friendly as well. We loved seeing the birds at the raptor center, as well as about 8-10 Bald Eagles in the wild, 7 black bears, and king salmon in the creek. Interesting to talk to Kevin about carving totem poles. Austin drove our shuttle and we enjoyed meeting him. Overall just a really neat experience.
Maren N.
- 2023
Our family of four (kids age 16 and 10) had an awesome time. Our guides Mickey and Allie were great. They truly seemed to enjoy their jobs and made the whole day a fun adventure. I highly recommend this for all qualifying ages. The rain forest is beautiful, staff so friendly and zip lines super fun and safe.
Mandy P.
- 2023
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